We had been together for almost a decade and married for two years when we were suddenly ready. We moved to a much better place, more spacious and with a spare room for our baby. George was so excited. He had always wanted to be a father. We had always joked about being parents. We had been waiting for that to happen forever. He wanted one or two kids at most, I wanted a whole dozen of them. Well, I knew I'd convince him anyways.

It finally happened. I got pregnant. We had barely started trying, that I got pregnant that easily. So obviously we got enthusiastic, ecstatic even! When I was around 5 months along, we started decorating that spare room that would be the heartwarming nursery. George had the walls refreshed in a very light peach color, I was in love with it. We spent every second of our free time there, way too excited about what was right around the corner, parenthood.

I was sure it was a little girl. I was so happy to be having a little girl. I can't even begin to say how much I was looking forward to finally meeting her, holding her in my arms. It would be our child, his and mine. What a way to express our love! Creating life. It was so magical. Well, I suppose you know what I mean, don't you, Dear?

We then started filling the nursery with beautiful white wooden furniture. Our family and friends got our little girl adorable little toys and clothes to fill the room. I was seven months along, almost eight, when we were finally done with the nursery. Believe me, it was marvelous. The prefect place for our little one to come into this world and grow up harmoniously.

Throughout my last weeks, my mother once paid us a visit and brought me that special something she so wanted me to have. This rocking chair. She called it the nursing chair. Her mother had offered it to her and she had made so many wonderful memories sitting on it, rocking back and forth with each of her babies in her arms that she wanted me to experience the same. As soon as that rocking chair filled the vacant corner of the room, I started imagining us three together instantaneously. I got carried away easily and sat on it, one hand caressing my very prominent middle, feeling ready to welcome her into this world.

A few weeks later, I went into labor overnight. George got me to the hospital as fast as possible and called my mother when we got there. It was a long process. It took hours before I finally started pushing. The delivery suddenly became dangerous for me but also for the baby. You know, in those days, medical knowledge was not what it is today. We got really scared seeing that no one seemed to know exactly what they were doing. It turned out I really gave birth to a little girl just like I felt. Only our baby girl was born-dead which explained the difficult delivery.

I got released barely a few days after. It's the first thing I saw when I got home. This rocking chair. For so many years it remained there, still, empty and lifeless. What had initially been the source of so many dreams, joy and excitement, had sadly become the daily reminder of our terrible loss. Yet, I wouldn't throw it away, I wanted to keep it, hoping that someday it would be filled and used.

Life never gave me the chance to fill it. We kept trying… but after my third miscarriage we stopped. I couldn't disappoint George anymore and I understood that I wouldn't have the strength to go through that loss ever again. But I kept the chair for some reason. I didn't really know why. Until I met your family. Your adorable children fill my heart and so do you. If that little girl of ours had made it, she would have been just like you or so I wish. You are an example for your children, you fought for them so hard. And you fought against the whole world to finally be with the love of your life. I believe you can do anything if you put yourself to it and your strength is visibly endless as once again you're leading the struggle to bring another child into this world, yours and Andy's.

It is funny to say it out loud even for an old lady like me… but I truly understand now why I was never given the chance to have a baby myself. I believe I was meant to cross your path. I know, I know… I am not really part of this family, it is not mine in blood… but oh it is in my heart. This rocking chair's story might be a tiny bit sad so far but it's now in the right hands to have its happy ending. I would love for you to have it Darling and rock back and forth comfortably sat in it with your baby in your arms. I'm sure you'll bring the joy and happiness it needs and it's the way for me to close that chapter of my life. Dear Sharon… will you accept it?

/

The day had been quite full, heavy even. Maybe overwhelming was the right word for it. Sharon had never expected the day to unfold like this, but she had loved it nonetheless.

Andy had gotten home later in the evening because of a pretty serious case they had to deal with. Not that any of them wasn't serious but this one seemed to involve many people, too many victims and numerous suspects to question. Sharon knew her husband was probably exhausted but even then he wanted to spend some time with her and the baby, still meaning to respect their special routine. How touching.

Sharon had told him about Martha's special story and showed him the old rocking chair lightening up the baby's nursery. It had been very difficult for her to hear her story. It kept reminding her of her own loss. And yet, it carried a positive message, a happy ending for all of them. She liked the meaning of it and accepted Martha's gift after tightening the old woman lovingly in her arms. She was so thankful to have crossed this lady's path who had changed her life in so many ways.

Sharon thought she'd be exhausted and fall asleep as soon as her head fell on her pillow but the day had been so full of emotions which had moved her so deeply that she kept thinking about it and could still see the grandmother-to-be swaying around the baby's room, touching delicately the furniture, the toys, the clothes while telling her story, tears quietly wetting her full cheeks.

- Andy, honey… we need to find this baby a name… how are we on that list? Any better picks than Minerva or Jeronimo? she teased her husband while he was spooning her from behind.

- What are you talking about? I love those! he pretended not to understand why she would want to find better names.

- Right, they are awesome, I know! Still, I think we should have a look at others just to make sure we have enough choice right? she made fun of him turning around to face him.

- Alright, alright…he finally surrendered. Any ideas, Mama?

- Actually, yes I do have a few ideas but none of them really make me feel like we have found the right name… see what I mean? she was pensive.

- Okay, you know what? Let's play a game, he proposed.

- Oh interesting… she teased, the mood quickly switched to something much more romantic. Tell me more about that game… she brushed his lips.

- Oh I didn't mean that, but…

She cut him off, shushing him by pressing her finger on his lips and quickly replacing it by her mouth. They hadn't been together like this for several weeks, maybe even months. Sharon had faced many issues with sleep and discomfort and having sex was clearly the last thing on her mind, although weirdly tonight, it seemed different. Andy had been very sweet about it so far. The poor thing had no choice but to go on without any kind of intimate relations for weeks. And yet he had not once complained about it. He had always told her he would follow her on that and would never do anything she wouldn't feel okay with. She was growing a human for them, after all he could make a little effort and be understanding about the rest, he always said.

Tonight, could be his lucky night though. Her hormones were all over the place and it meant she was feeling strong needs she hadn't felt in a while now. Maybe it was because she felt finally a little more relaxed about her pregnancy and work. There was some discomfort of course but she just missed feeling that kind of connection with her man. She unexplainably missed him. She would need to go slow and pick comfortable positions but she was definitely aroused. She could feel Andy was surprised, hesitant even. Their kisses started heating up, feeling passionate and steamy. Sharon could feel he was aroused himself which made her quiver with anticipation.

- Are you feeling okay with this, Sweetheart? Andy whispered breathlessly between their kisses.

Sharon stopped in her tracks surprised with his current preoccupation although he had a very pregnant woman under him, her hands everywhere and sending him major arousing signs. She could even cry, suddenly deeply touched by how careful of her he was. That man was truly one of a kind.

/

Pain.

Pain had pulled her out of sleep.

She had a look at her phone, eyes screwed up and tired – 3:27.

Andy was sound asleep, his face nuzzled in her hair. Their love-making had exhausted him. She could feel his deep breathing on her neck.

Something was wrong. It couldn't be happening already. She felt another contraction rise and let out a muffled grunt of pain. Shit. Her hands naturally found her swollen belly, stroking both sides of it, desperately trying to calm things down. Maybe it would stop. She silently prayed for it to stop. After the third contraction in less than 10 minutes, she decided to wake Andy up. Her voice was shaky despite all her efforts for it to sound calm. Even her hands were shaking, fear slowly eating her. She whispered his name, caressing his cheek. She needed his reassurance more than she could say. He slowly opened his eyes, not understanding how bad it truly was.

- Pee time again? he asked, his voice hoarse from sleep.

- I've been having… contractions… her voice sounded more measured this time but her eyes gave her away.

Andy almost jumped, sitting up straight in a sudden move.

- Oh my god… Sweetheart, are you in pain? Are you sure those are labor contractions? he was very concerned but she could tell he was trying not to sound too panicky although he was terrified.

- I think so… there's something wrong, Andy… she let a sob escape her.

He moved to come behind her. He placed his arms around her middle, his hands meeting hers over their little one. She let her back rest against his chest. He enveloped her tightly and whispered in her ear.

- I'm here, Sweetheart. We're gonna do this together okay?

- Okay… she answered in what barely seemed like a whisper and sniffled.

Another contraction interrupted them. Her fingers came around his, tightening his hands as the pain was rising.

- Just breath, Sweetheart. It's gonna be alright. Breath and relax, I'm driving you to the hospital, he tenderly kissed her cheek.

He let go of her hands only when the contraction faded. Andy got up from their bed, put on a random shirt and a pair of jeans he found on their bedroom chair. He grabbed his phone and wallet and was ready to take his wife to the hospital. He helped her into some comfortable clothes. As he took her hands to help her up, Sharon met his eyes and broke the silence.

- What if… Andy… her lips were trembling… what if the baby isn't okay… it's too early, it can't happen now… tears kept rolling down her cheeks and she wasn't even fighting them.

Andy kneeled in front of his wife, her hands still tightly wrapped in his.

- We're one week away from the 34th week! Let's be positive, okay? Your doctor didn't even think you could carry the baby that far, right? The baby's gonna be okay, Sweetheart, let's have faith! And if not, we can go through anything together… nothing can change my love for you, remember? Andy brought her hand to his lips.

- Okay… let's do this… she tried a smile through her tears.

- That's my girl! he cheered, using his thumb to dry her cheeks.

Sharon stood up and felt Andy's strong and reassuring arm come around her waist, supporting her. He kissed her temple and after making sure she could walk, led her to the stairs. The nursery's door was half open, the rocking chair suddenly looking at her. She could only hope she would be able to bring her baby home.

/

The drive to the hospital hadn't been long but had felt like going to hell and not knowing how they would come back from it. Sharon hadn't been able to let go of his arm, tightening her grip as they were getting closer to the hospital. A million questions, fears and doubts were popping in her head, not allowing her to feel as calm as the baby would need her to be. As Andy had pointed out earlier, her doctor was expecting that kind of outcome, after all it wouldn't be much of a surprise and they were ready to do anything for the baby to be okay. But still. She couldn't help but think of the worse. Her contractions were getting closer together but her water hadn't broken yet.

Once at the hospital, a nurse had brought a wheelchair and Andy had insisted on pushing her himself through the corridors of the large white building. A midwife had led them to a private room where they had to wait for an obstetrician to examine her. Meanwhile, Andy helped his wife get comfortable and didn't leave her side unless it was absolutely mandatory. He called Martha to tell her about the situation, just in case she noticed they had left the house.

/

Sharon woke up disoriented and in sweat. She blinked several times to the blurriness. Her head felt heavy and her body ached. She could hear a steady beep in the background. Why weren't there two different sounds? Something else caught her attention. The room was empty. Where was Andy? She tried to sit up and realized she hadn't felt the baby. Her heart was racing by the second, she could hear the beep accelerating as well. Her hand came on her belly. That's when it hit her. What had happened? She couldn't remember anything. The situation felt way too familiar. It was like waking up from a coma. But she couldn't have been in a coma, her stomach was still very swollen although there was no baby anymore.

She started to feel the bed, looking for the little emergency button. She couldn't find it and was trying to fight the confusion fluttering in her mind. She looked up, suddenly remembering there usually was a button hanging above her head. She pressed it and the light turned red. Barely a few minutes later, a couple of nurses rambled into her room, not seeming to see her. Everyone went straight to the machines standing in the corner of the room on her right side.

She finally caught sight of him. Andy. He had missed her too, she could see it in his eyes. She started crying, emotion invading her. Finally, a familiar face. She called for him, holding out her arms expecting him to take her hands. She needed to touch him, needed to feel that he was truly there. He took her hands in his. He was her rock, strong, warm, reassuring. He took her in his arms. She kissed him wholeheartedly.

- Andy… she sounded almost out of breath, Andy, where's the baby? she asked in a hurry.

- Sweetheart… he started, his voice particularly low.

- Oh wait! I almost forgot! Boy or girl? she was suddenly excited.

- Well…

- Oh I'm sure it's a little boy isn't it? A mini you… she cut him off and patted his chest.

He waited for the medical team to leave before continuing.

- Yes… we had a little boy… in his eyes tears were threatening to escape.

- Oh my god, Andy! We're parents again! A son… yours and mine…

- Yes, Sweetheart… Listen…

- Where is he now? I need to see him, Andy! she started looking for the emergency button again. We're just gonna ask the nurse, now that I'm awake, she'll bring him in for me to finally meet my baby.

- Wait… hold on a second… listen…

- Honey, this can wait! I know, I know! We still need to find him a name! But that can truly wait, I really need to meet my little boy. I'm sure he looks just like you! she couldn't help but feel excited, smiling uncontrollably.

- Sharon… stop… his hands took hers and stopped them from calling anyone. Listen to me for a minute.

- What is it, honey? Why are you looking at me like this? What's wrong? Where is our baby?

Her mood suddenly changed. She understood something was definitely off when she saw the love of her life struggling to get the words out. It struck her when he finally looked at her. Deep in his eyes, there was this endless pain and it suddenly made sense. But even when she heard his words, those three very simple words and yet so strong, powerful and destroying.

A minute ago, she had felt so happy and excited and now it seemed like her world was falling apart. A volcano had just exploded in her body and she couldn't help but burst out in tears, screaming the injustice she had just been the victim of. Her head was spinning, she couldn't control her emotions. Anger, sadness, frustration, heartbreak she was feeling it all at the same time. She found herself hitting him. Of all people, she was lashing out at him because he couldn't be telling the truth. It couldn't be happening to them. Not again. Not after all the sacrifices and the efforts they had made for the little one. His words kept looping in her head countless times until her body finally gave in to the nightmare she was living.

"Sharon, Sweetheart… our baby is really gone…" - Those were the last words she heard before closing her eyes, the pain being too hard to bear.